Feb 28, 2016
When Do I Love?
Series: Neighbors
When Do I Love?
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  • Feb 28, 2016When Do I Love?
    Feb 28, 2016
    When Do I Love?
    Series: Neighbors
    When Do I Love?
  • Feb 21, 2016Who Do I Love?
    Feb 21, 2016
    Who Do I Love?
    Series: Neighbors
    Who Do I Love?Do I Lo
    “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.Matthew 5:43-48 (The Message)

     

    We were reminded this week that every person is our neighbor.  Period.  Every person is created by God and is of sacred worth, therefore, every person is our neighbor.  We have to learn how to live in peace, harmony and respect with one another.  There is a tendency to brand people in our lives as more or less based on characteristics that we deem worthy or on the flip side less worthy whether it be gender, age, race, sexuality, special needs, financial status, etc.  However, as Christians, we have to show self-control and accept everyone for who they are by loving them for their sacred worth.  Hopefully, you have been praying for your "magnet" person and will continue to use the magnet as a reminder to pray for those neighbors who may be a challenge.  Remember, no matter who you are, where you have been or what you have been up to - you have sacred worth and a place here.  Have a great week!

  • Feb 14, 2016How Do I Love?
    Feb 14, 2016
    How Do I Love?
    Series: Neighbors
    How Do I Love?
     "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,
     peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
     self-control. There is no law against these things!  Those who belong to
     Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature
     to his cross and crucified them there.  Since we are living by the Spirit,
     let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives."  Galatians
     5: 22-25

     This week we were again reminded of the two most important commandments:
     Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and, Love your
     neighbor as yourself.  Sometimes that is not easy to follow, is it?  There
     are people that just get under our skin and make us want to pop!  However,
     we need to be reminded that each of us has a sacred worth and were created
     as a divine masterpiece.  With this in mind, you have to be thankful for
     everyone - even those that are a little more difficult than the next.   Be
     intentionally thankful for people.  Look at your "magnet person" and be
     thankful for their sacred worth and see how things start to change with
     that person.  Have a great week!
  • Feb 7, 2016What Is Love?
    Feb 7, 2016
    What Is Love?
    Series: Neighbors

    What is Love

     
    "Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

    Love is often a word that is spoken and felt but when you stop to read what love really is - love can take on a whole different meaning in your life.  Have you replaced your name with the above mentioned words in bold?  It isn't always easy to read or hold up to these expectations; however, this is our challenge as Christians.  When you wear the name "Christian", when you love Jesus, you are judged by how you love others.  We are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).  Who are you reminded of daily by your magnet from last Sunday to love, to pray for as you would yourself?  Hopefully, you are thinking of that person in a different light or at least praying for them.  Come this Sunday and learn how to love

    your neighbor.  See you Sunday!